Creek-wading biologists survey fish near Ashville, Springville

Biologists in east Alabama are conducting a 'fish blitz' survey of several streams. (The Birmingham News file)

ASHVILLE, Alabama — Biologists this week waded through creeks in Central Alabama searching for tiny fish, documenting them as party of a study of aquatic wildlife in the region.

The scientists were taking part in a "fish blitz" aimed at identifying and documenting fish that live in the headwaters of Terrapin Creek and in Big Canoe Creek near Ashville and Springville, The Anniston Star reported.

This week and next, the scientists will visit about three dozen sites along the two creeks to do biological monitoring. Their findings will be part of a report by the Geological Survey of Alabama.

The biologists expect that report to be used for decades to help officials and private landowners make land management decisions.

The findings could also help restore populations of endangered species and improve water quality across Alabama.

The review of the Big Canoe Creek and Terrapin Creek watersheds is part of a broader project, which began two years ago near Tuscaloosa.

The Alabama Strategic Habitat Unit project is expected to provide comprehensive habitat information on 50 strategic watersheds in the state, said Patrick O'Neil, director of the Ecosystems Investigations Program for the Geologic Survey.